By: Vic Monaco
HIGHTSTOWN Borough Council will likely approve a contract with police officers later this month or early next month, according to Administrator Candace Gallagher.
"We’ve all unofficially given our approval," Ms. Gallagher said Tuesday in reference to the council subcommittee and PBA Local 283. "I expect council to vote either Nov. 20 or Dec. 6."
The two sides reached a tentative agreement on a four-year deal in early September, borough officials previously said.
Council President Dave Schneider said at that time that it includes a "very moderate package of increases" and a scheduling change that will increase the availability of officers and dramatically decrease overtime. He said this week that the union is preparing the document for final review.
Officer David Chenoweth, president of the union that represents 14 officers, confirmed that and said he is happy with the pending outcome.
He said in May that department morale had remained high despite the lack of a contract since January and ongoing talks with East Windsor over possibly consolidating the borough force with the township’s because of financial concerns.
Terms of the new contract would be retroactive to Jan. 1.
Ms. Gallagher previously said a new contract would not lock the borough into any decision on possible consolidation.
In East Windsor, contract talks continue for about 45 police officers represented by PBA Local 191. Their contract, along with one covering eight local dispatchers, also expired Dec. 31.

